Missing SIU students family offers $15,000 reward

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago-area family of a missing Southern Illinois University student is offering a reward for information in the 19-year-old sophomore’s disappearance.

Authorities say Pravin Varughese has been missing since Wednesday. His family says they are offering a $15,000 reward. His sister, Priya Varughese, says family members “just want him home.” She says her brother, a cousin and a roommate were at a party the night he disappeared.

Carbondale Police Sgt. Rich Brunner says officers have searched for Pravin Varughese using dogs and by air. He says the searches have covered much of the SIU campus and city. Brunner says friends and police handed out flyers Sunday. Vigils also have been planned.

Vaughese and his family are from the Chicago suburb of Morton Grove. He was studying criminal justice.